Meet the Vendor: uzura

Meet the Vendor: uzura

My name is Shino Mikami. I run uzura and do all of the artwork and screen-printing myself, offering a line of women’s apparel and men’s t-shirts in hemp & organic cotton, plus hemp bags. For my designs, I’ve taken my love of Pacific Northwest nature and combined it with my commitment to sustainable living — plus a hint of Japanese aesthetics as well.

What was your first memory of making something?

Growing up in Japan, I appreciated things my parents made by hand from a young age. I especially enjoyed sewing when I was in elementary school and used to make drawstring bags with hand-stitched appliqué on them.

What is your favorite new product for 2016?

My favorite for 2016 are the eco jersey skirts. They’re the perfect length, and I love their shape too. I chose my new feather design for them, which gives them special character and makes them stand out from ordinary skirts. They make a great addition to summer closets!

How did you get started in your business?

Although I enjoyed sewing as a teenager, I hadn’t done it for quite a while until a friend asked me to help sew for a trunk show about ten years ago. I didn’t have any professional experience but decided to join in anyway, and that brought back nice memories from the past. From that, I started to get into sewing again. Formerly a graphic designer, I started using my creativity to make new designs for fun. I taught myself to screen-print, started making my own shirts & bags and have now been able to turn uzura into a full-time profession.

What do your customers love most about your product(s)?

The number one thing is my commitment to making eco-sustainable products. They love the soft feel of my shirts, particularly the ones in organic cotton, and I often get comments that the simplicity of my designs and color combinations makes my designs stand out.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram for your chance to win an organic cotton t-shirt of your choice!

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